Featured AV Product Reviews

Emotiva UMC-200 AV Preamp / Processor Review

Review: The Emotiva UMC-200 AV preamp/processor offers benchmark performance. For under $600, you get the latest HD audio format support, analog audio path for purists and fast HDMI switching.

Emotiva Audio XPA-1L Class A and AB Mono Amplifier Preview

The 250wpc Emotiva XPA-1L switchable Class A and AB mono amplifier is meant for the audiophile that also wants to conserve on energy for non critical listening.

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M2Tech hiFace USB DAC Preview
Clint DeBoer — May 17, 2013 00:00

What if you could fit an entire high resolution DAC into a USB thumb drive? That's what M2Tech's hiFace DAC promises and delivers. This DAC redefines compact. It's just 8.8" deep by 1.4" high and 2" wide (basically, the size of a USB stick). The hiFace DAC was designed to deliver hi-end equipment performance to budget-conscious audiophiles. And M2Tech claims to do it without compromising audio quality. The hiFace DAC costs $295, but with this little DAC you can turn your laptop, Mac Mini or even an iPad into a hi-end music file source—and you can do so for about the price of an overpriced active HDMI or premium speaker cable.

Sony BDV-N8100W 3D Blu-Ray Home Theater System Preview
Steve Munz — May 16, 2013 21:00

Not to be outdone by rivals, Sony has updated its packaged home theater system lineup for 2013, with the BDV-N8100W Premium 3D Blu-Ray HT System leading the charge. Priced at $699.99, which is less than the cost of a foot of some snake oil infused speaker wire, Sony has packed a veritable cornucopia of features into their latest and greatest home theater package, including a 3D capable Blu-Ray player, 4K upscaling, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Of course with so many features packed in for the money, how good could the audio experience be? Read on to find out what we think.

Sony HT-CT660 46" Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer Preview
Steve Munz — May 16, 2013 21:00

How far can you possibly squeeze $400 in the world of audio? Sony hopes to show this sum can deliver quite a lot with their HT-CT660 sound bar plus wireless subwoofer system. With a slim profile to complement a larger flat screen TV and a useful set of connectivity options including 3 HDMI inputs (which pass 3D and 4K content) and NFC (near field communication), the Sony HT-CT660 looks to be an interesting option for those who want an easy to set up system with minimal clutter. Read on to find out how it stands up to a little scrutiny.

Koss Fit Series KSC32 and KEB32 Headphones - Designed for Women, By Women
Tom Andry — May 15, 2013 08:00

Koss's new Fit Series headphones with the KEB32 FitBuds and KSC32 FitClip earbuds are built in conjunction with Olympian Dara Torres just for women. If you're a woman that is looking for a headphone that you can wear while exercising, the FitBuds and FitClips are sweat resistant. They are smaller than normal earbuds for a perfect fit. They boast a number of colors and a price tag that will let you mix and match if that is your thing. While we think the market for smaller earbuds extends beyond women, for now, the KEB32 FitBuds and KSC32 FitClips are pretty much the only offering we know of. We look forward to seeing how these earbuds perform.

Boston Acoustics A360 Floorstanding Speaker Review
Joel Foust — May 14, 2013 21:00

The Boston Acoustics A360 floorstanding loudspeakers are well built and look good at $800/pair. High quality parts are used in the cabinet construction and the drivers are decent quality. Although the measured sensitivity is on the low side and the midrange a bit recessed, the A360’s exhibit nice bass extension. I envision that Boston Acoustics designed this speaker to please the masses and I think it is excellent in that regard. This is our first review employing our new loudspeaker measurement standard so check out how we put the Boston A360’s through the wringer.

v-moda Crossfade M-100 Headphones Review
Andrew Gash — May 14, 2013 04:50

We reviewed the M-80's some time ago, but these v-moda Crossfade M-100 headphones are the bigger brother over-ear models and they're geared towards the user who wants audiophile quality that's stylish, portable and durable. Now, that's four very distinct design goals, and to pull it off is a tall order.

Emotiva XPA-200 Stereo Power Amplifier Preview
Steve Munz — May 13, 2013 15:00

It’s difficult being the middle child, just ask Jan Brady. Stuck between the high value UPA-200 and the monstrous XPA-2 amplifiers; the XPA-200 seems to get lost in Emotiva’s plethora of offerings. Rated to deliver 150 watts into an 8 ohm load and 240 watts into a 4 ohm load (both at <1% THD), and priced at $499, does Emotiva’s midgrade stereo amplifier deliver a compelling value, or is it worth overlooking in favor of its superlative siblings? Keep reading to see our take.

B&W Z2 AirPlay Dock and Wireless Speaker Review
Cliff Heyne — May 09, 2013 20:40

Over the last ten years, iPod docks have become ubiquitous, with offerings from ever major (and not so major) manufacturer and at every price point imaginable. However, over the last couple of years, AirPlay speakers have started to encroach and take their place as the iPod dock 2.0, so to speak. B&W has answered this call with their Z2 iPod dock and AirPlay speaker. The Z2 is B&W’s newest, smallest, and least expensive iOS-oriented product to date. A far cry from their original Zeppelin in terms of price and size, the Z2 is aimed at consumers demanding form as well as function. At $399, it isn’t a budget product, but falls nicely under B&Ws other offerings. For those keen on great looks and small size, the Z2 might just be your best friend. Read on for a full review

Scosche RH1060 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Preview
Tom Andry — May 09, 2013 05:00

The Scosche RH1060 Bluetooth headphones have all the modern stylings that you want with the Bluetooth and iDevice compatibility that you need. With an eight hour battery life, AAC and Siri compatibility, and the ability to collapse into a small storage case, the RH1060 headphones are for those on the go. At $200, you may not want to take them to the gym, but with a direct connection to your device bypassing the battery, you won't have to worry about losing power (and therefore your tunes) just when the guitar solo was really getting going. With an integrated mic and full controls on the ear cups, the Scosche RH1060s won't even slow you down when you get a phone call.

Swann HD PenCam 720p Camera Preview Clint DeBoer — May 07, 2013 22:30

AudioControl Rialto 400 High Power Amplifier with Digital Audio Inputs Preview Tom Andry — May 07, 2013 05:00

Emotiva XPR-1 Mono Amplifier Review Gene DellaSala — May 05, 2013 23:00

PLAiR Streaming Stick Solution Preview Tom Andry — May 03, 2013 03:25

Denon AVR-X1000 and AVR-X2000 IN-Command Receivers Preview Tom Andry — May 02, 2013 22:00

Pyle BlueReach PBTR70 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker Adapter Clint DeBoer — May 02, 2013 01:15

Panasonic NE Series SC-NE1, SC-NE3 and SC-NE5 Wireless Speakers Clint DeBoer — May 02, 2013 00:05

Denon AVR-X3000 and AVR-X4000 IN-Command Receivers Preview Tom Andry — May 01, 2013 09:00

Sanus ELM806 In-Wall Cable Management System Preview Tom Andry — May 01, 2013 04:35

Rotel RA-1570 Integrated Amplifier Preview Clint DeBoer — April 30, 2013 05:00

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